topic Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's? in Kitchen

What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

soonersis — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 05:15:56 GMT

I realize this is very late to request, but I'm making my first trip to Trader Joe's tomorrow and wonder for those of you who shop there what is your one (or two) favorite, must-have item(s) to get there. I like to eat organic and as natural as possible, so not interested in less than healthy or junk food type products. Any suggestions for body care or non-food items would also be appreciated. Thank you so much for any help you can give me!

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

Chi-town girl — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 05:22:14 GMT

If you like sweets-anything Cookie Butter. The ice cream is divine :-) In beauty, right now for the holiday season they are selling a Pomegranate Body butter for 5 dollars, a trio of body scrubs-suitable for gifting, and a set of luscious hand creams that are so similar to L'Occitaine for a fraction of the cost. And the Almond Kringle in the bakery section.

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

tdog — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 05:26:50 GMT

I love the fresh chicken pot pie and the frozen beef bourginoin Also the miso soup and candied pecans. They also sell kosher turkey breasts. Their cheese selection is very good and fairly priced.

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

rrpell — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 05:29:53 GMT

I like to pick up their frozen raspberry and pear tarts and keep them on hand. They are made in France of natural ingredients and are very good. If unexpected company drops by the tarts are fast to defrost and pretty to serve.

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

Helping — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 05:34:30 GMT

I mix these two for breakfast almost every morning: frozen Wild Boreal Blueberries and Multigrain Triple Berry Instant Hot Cereal with Flax & Chia Seeds. Tasty!

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

Chi-town girl — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 05:39:07 GMT

Lol-ice cream & kringle are in the "healthy" category, true? The selection & pricing for packaged nuts, trail mix etc is awesome. Overall great offering of organic products from bagged salads to fresh meats, cheese, dairy, and prepared frozen items. Love the frozen brown & wild rice for quick meal prep. And the frozen steel cut oatmeal for quick & hearty bfast.

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

Caitlinh429 — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 05:47:03 GMT

okay, not healthy, organic, or whaaatever- but as above said cookie butter.

they also have plenty of healthy, organic frozen sides. frozen asparagus is a must. their frozen pizzas are actually incredibly healthy compared to other frozen competitors. their fresh chicken pot pie is available frozen - i also love the fresh stuffed peppers, veggie lasagna and fresh hummus. i'm also obsessed with the seasonal harvest salad blend (salad/spring mix w/ pumpkin vinagrette).

but come on you can't go to tj's and not try ONE bad thing... like the seasonal candy cane joe-joe's

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

HonnyBrown — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 05:47:46 GMT

Pork Belly

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

Alsee — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 06:10:47 GMT

Almond horn cookies covered in chocolate

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

LaurenNicole — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 06:14:38 GMT

Well I can't just stick to ONE, I have a few must haves from the frozen section:

Pear Tarte, Turkey Bolognese, Mac n Cheese, Mushroom Risotto, Polenta w/Spinach & Carrots, Arancini Bites (rice balls w/fontina cheese), Chicken and Cheese Tamales, Cookie Butter Ice Cream, Croissants (plain, chocolate, almond), Lemon Bars

Also, the Peanut Butter Cups (they have dark chocolate and milk chocolate, I get milk chocolate).

Enjoy you visit!

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

Handbagler — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 06:17:54 GMT

On 11/29/2014 CaitlinH said:
okay, not healthy, organic, or whaaatever- but as above said cookie butter.

they also have plenty of healthy, organic frozen sides. frozen asparagus is a must. their frozen pizzas are actually incredibly healthy compared to other frozen competitors. their fresh chicken pot pie is available frozen - i also love the fresh stuffed peppers, veggie lasagna and fresh hummus. i'm also obsessed with the seasonal harvest salad blend (salad/spring mix w/ pumpkin vinagrette).

but come on you can't go to tj's and not try ONE bad thing... like the seasonal candy cane joe-joe's

Everyone seems to love the cookie butter.... I know this is a strange question, but what do you do with it?

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

nunu4u — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 06:58:02 GMT

Power Greens, Asian Stir Fry Veg Mix, Mocha yogurt.

I buy those most weeks. Right now they have the Pound Plus Extravaganza Bar...dark chocolate, ginger, cranberry.

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

birkin baby — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 06:58:05 GMT

On 11/29/2014 Make-up LVR said:
On 11/29/2014 CaitlinH said:
okay, not healthy, organic, or whaaatever- but as above said cookie butter.

they also have plenty of healthy, organic frozen sides. frozen asparagus is a must. their frozen pizzas are actually incredibly healthy compared to other frozen competitors. their fresh chicken pot pie is available frozen - i also love the fresh stuffed peppers, veggie lasagna and fresh hummus. i'm also obsessed with the seasonal harvest salad blend (salad/spring mix w/ pumpkin vinagrette).

but come on you can't go to tj's and not try <em>ONE</em> bad thing... like the seasonal candy cane joe-joe's

Everyone seems to love the cookie butter.... I know this is a strange question, but what do you do with it?

spoon+ cookie butter....yum!But there are recipes and ideas online. It's good .

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

jennys kid — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 07:11:52 GMT

I have yet to try the cookie butter until now (I've always willed myself to keep walking past it) but last night I just dove straight in to the next step and bought a frozen cookie butter cheesecake. $6.99. I am super excited about it!

OP, TJs has some awesome frozen foods that are nice to keep in the freezer for those just in case nights (especially if you usually cook fresh) or if you work and have access to a freezer and a microwave. They are pretty much all very reasonably priced. I really like the individual garden vegetable lasagna. I also pick up their hummus on a regular basis. My newest obsession there is their pineapple juice that they sell in packs of 4 cans. it tastes like someone just made you some fresh-- not like the canned pineapple juice you usually get in stores. It's made from fresh, whole, organic pineapple. I like it with seltzer and lemon on ice or in smoothies. I also LOVE their frozen wild boreal blueberries. YUM.

eta: Oops, I see someone else likes the hummus and frozen lasagna and already suggested them. Sorry to repeat (great minds, though)!

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

katiescarlett — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 07:15:47 GMT

Chocolate covered peppermint Jo-Jo's. And in the pizza section, the "tarte" that has caramelized onion, little slivers of ham, and creme fraiche with phylo as the crust. And the 1 gallon brewed unsweetened green and white tea with mint.

Cookie butter is way too sweet for me.

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

soonersis — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 08:50:06 GMT

Thank you for all of the wonderful suggestions. So many have recommended the cookie butter, but I am wondering, do you eat it plain or on something?

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

Desertdi — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 08:57:21 GMT

They have the best Gorgonzola

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

NickNack — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 13:17:05 GMT

On 11/30/2014 soonersis said:
Thank you for all of the wonderful suggestions. So many have recommended the cookie butter, but I am wondering, do you eat it plain or on something?

I haven't checked, but someone said there are recipes online. I put cookie butter on pretzels. I know I'm in the minority but I am not a big fan of the cookie butter. To me it's just okay.

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

jackthebear — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 13:41:48 GMT

I can't just buy one thing there, they have many good products.

Re: What's the ONE thing I should buy at Trader Joe's?

Dorothy11 — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 15:04:24 GMT

Toscano Cheese with Black Pepper. It tastes like Reggiano Parmesan, but is softer.

Comté Cheese

Cracked Wheat Crackers - just like stoned wheat, but half the price

Frozen boneless chicken breasts IQF

Chicken Italian Sausage

Nuts - great prices

Oils and vinegars